Twee knotwilgen en boerderijen op de achtergrond 1897

Richard Nicolaüs Roland Holst made this pencil drawing, called 'Two pollard willows and farms in the background', sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Holst's artistic career developed during a period of significant social and political change in the Netherlands. His style, which often combined elements of symbolism and social realism, reflects the cultural climate of his time. This drawing depicts a tranquil rural scene framed by two prominent trees, and it invites us to consider the relationship between nature and the human-built environment. The pollard willows, with their pruned branches, stand as silent witnesses to the changing seasons and agricultural practices. The farmhouses in the background suggest a sense of community and the enduring presence of human life within the landscape. The drawing presents a peaceful image of Dutch rural life, but also acknowledges the impact of human intervention on the natural world. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more agrarian past.